Steve Bruce is being eyed up by Reading to replace Paul Clement as manager, according to reports.

The former Aston Villa boss is currently out of work after being dismissed by the Midlands club at the beginning of October.

A Sunday morning report in The Sun suggests Royals owners Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li are looking at the 57-year-old to take over from Clement, who has overseen just five Championship wins in 23 games.

Bruce, a former Manchester United defender, can boast a 20-year coaching career which has seen him manage Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Hull City among other clubs.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Swansea City was Royals' ninth of the campaign and leaves them in the relegation zone, two points from safety.

Clement said post-match he was confident of turning the side's fortunes around, although fans' support for him has declined in various weeks, with a number calling for his head at the end of the game at the Liberty Stadium.

The report, which also says Bolton boss and Reading legend Phil Parkinson is on the club's radar, says the Royals board is after someone with Championship experience in a bid to climb the table.

Don't forget to keep an eye out on our social media pages for more Royals news .